That's a big part of why the engineers have packed so much rough-riding gear into the LR4. Consider: The air suspension can be driver-adjusted to increase ground clearance for off-road use. There's a hill descent control so the vehicle doesn't get away from you on a steep, loose trail. The all-wheel-drive system includes a two-speed transfer case and locking center differential to enhance traction. In the case of the test vehicle, an optional locking rear differential brought even more bite to the party.
And don't forget the clever Terrain Response System, which adjusts engine, transmission, and traction-control calibrations for different driving conditions. You can set the system for five situations: general, snow, mud, sand, and rock crawl.
As the "snow" setting might suggest, this kind of gear doesn't just make the LR4 a superb off-roader. A lot of it is also useful in dealing with on-road snow and ice. Raising the ride height doesn't just help avoid off-road rocks. It also allows you to drive over deep snow instead of plowing it. A hill descent control can also be useful on a steep, icy driveway. Locking differentials give us more traction on snowy roads as well as off-road.
The functionality of the LR4's drivetrain and suspension is reflected in the large SUV's aesthetics. High and boxy, the LR4 has a utilitarian demeanor inside and out. That chunkiness, coupled with very British touches like the chrome-rimmed analog dash clock, bring to mind that famous automotive melodrama "The Ford Flex Meets the Duke of Norfolk at Wimbledon."
